Hooray! January is over. The cold, the snow, the wind the snow, the school cancellations the snow, thank goodness January with its record 34.4 inches of snow is behind us. Right?
Maybe, but as February 2, 2011 proved, there’s more to winter than snow. Today, many are rethinking their position that winter couldn’t get worse. Today we saw worse and it came in the form of ice. And it is not going to be better tonight.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for our area warning that Black ice is expected.
“Black Ice will develop tonight as temperatures drop to below freezing… especially on untreated roads and walkways with refreezing of both standing water and melted snow. Motorists should exercise extreme caution and allow for extra distance while driving since roads will be slippery.”
The New York State Department of Transportation has these suggestions for travelers:
Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Increase following distance when roads are slippery. Schedule extra time.
Stay alert! Distracted driving and walking cause accidents.
Watch for down power lines and signal outages. Signalized intersections where power outages occur should be regarded as a four-way stop.
Bridge surfaces are slippery; they freeze more quickly than road surfaces.
Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, extra warm clothes and a cell phone.
Let people know your destination, route and estimated time of arrival
If you breakdown or become snowbound, do not panic and never venture from your vehicle if you are snowbound
Property owners and snowplow operators – help keep roadways clear of snow and ice by not depositing or stockpiling snow on or along highways. Dumping snow on roadways violates New York State Motor Vehicle and Traffic Law.
There are almost seven weeks of winter left. If the second half of winter is anything like the first you need to be prepared and remember to check up on those who may not be able to fend for themselves during this very harsh winter.